. The used car market has a lot of hidden treasures, and a buyer could find a dream small car for $5,000 or less. Used cars can be risky too, though, and a car with high mileage may come with more issues than it’s worth.

This is why it’s important to go used car shopping with some insight into which makes and models are reliable long term.

Car and Driver

listed some of the best vehicles that can be purchased for under $5,000. The list includes popular luxury sedans and other noteworthy small cars.

You can drive in style without breaking the bank

Buick Park Avenue

The

Buick

Park Avenue is an older model with a great reputation for reliability.

The Park Avenue was first released with the 1991 model year, and it was a major success for Buick. It is hard to find an original Buick Park Avenue, but the 1997 second generation is much more common.

Despite their age, these luxury sedans have aged well and still feel like high-end cars. Buick Park Avenues are known for their powerful engines and comfortable, spacious interiors.

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Acura TSX

MORE: The Best Small Cars for Teenagers in 2021

For a sportier small car, the Acura TSX can be a great choice. Coming from

Honda's

luxury division, the Acura TSX was first introduced in 2003. It may resemble a Honda Accord in some ways, but it stands on its own as a noteworthy sport sedan.

For under $5,000, you could find an Acura TSX that will give you a fairly powerful driving experience. Some model years feature six-speed transmissions and more than 200 horsepower.

The Acura TSX is also known for being a comfortable sport sedan. As part of a luxury line, the TSX has features that weren’t typically available in other vehicles at the time, such as Bluetooth.

Other Hondas made the list too

While a used Acura might be right for a driver with sportier tastes, there are plenty of other used Hondas on the market as well. Honda is known for its reliability, which is why so many older Honda models are still on the road. Car and Driver included several small Honda vehicles on their list.

The Honda Accord has been in production since 1976 and has earned its reputation as a dependable small car. There are a variety of model years on the used car market, but the consensus is that the Accord is strong no matter the year. They are known for their smooth handling, long-lasting reliability, and spacious interiors.

Another noteworthy Honda on the list is the hybrid Honda Insight. One of the first major electric hybrids on the American market, the Insight's range of 400 miles per tank is still impressive. There are some downsides to the Insight, such as not having cruise control, but these models come with a lot of perks.

Those in the market for a used small car have plenty of high-quality options to pick from at affordable prices. It’s understandable why you might hesitate to buy a vehicle with high mileage. However, cars like the Honda Accord and Buick Park Avenue continue to offer reliable driving experiences.

If you’re purchasing a used small car, it’s important to have the right insurance for your vehicle.

Jerry

can help you find affordable insurance to go with your affordable car. It takes 45 seconds to sign up, and the free app will compare quotes to find the best coverage for your needs.

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